The Climb

I lose my footing and start sliding down a mountain of loose brass pebbles, before digging my arm in to stop myself.

I sit and rest for a moment. I feel physically fit and wide awake but as though my brain is stuck in the twighlight of a day dream.

I notice something cold in my breast pocket and fish it out; it looks like a brand new pocket watch.

I listen out to hear if it's still working but realise there's a mechanical white noise deafening all else. I clap my hands; nothing. The overwhelming noise is coming from everywhere.

I look around and see nothing but the continual glowing landscape of pebbles disapearing off into a golden horizon. Where am I and how did I get here?

I pick up a pebble and am confused by its familiar cold smooth surface and distinct embossed faces. I hold it up next to the watch; they look exactly the same.

I realise the mountain is ticking.

The watch from the mountain appears to be 1 minute behind mine, as do all the others.

Perhaps it's a sign?

I start to turn my watch back but as soon as it clicks through a second I feel the world thud, like the watch is fighting back.

I check the watch from the mountain again; 59 seconds. I put it in my pocket and grip my watch tightly as I turn it with all my strength. The landscape shudders and the watch vibrates but I can still read the time as I wind it back.

Suddenly I feel myself slide up the mountain - am I headed for the summit? To an escape? I tighten my grip as best as I can but my fingers are struggling against the vibration. I can feel it slipping past my finger tips.

I lose my footing and start sliding down a mountain of loose brass pebbles, before digging my arm in to stop myself.